The Michael Bisping sweepstakes could be over. The race to meet the brash British banger inside the Octagon, consisting of such fighters as Nate Marquardt and Vitor Belfort, among others, just may have finally reached its conclusion.

And the winner is -- Chael Sonnen ... maybe.

That's because Dave Meltzer reports (via ESPN) that the ex-Realtor has been tapped to throw hands with the cocky "Count," provided he settles his issues with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

But wait, fight fans, there's more.

Not only will the two mouthy middleweights get to settle their differences in the cage, they'll also have an entire season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) to air their grievances, as they are apparently next in line to coach the Spike TV show for the upcoming season 14, which will feature featherweight and bantamweight hopefuls.

From the report:

Quote:

"The plan from Spike TV and UFC for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, which would air September through December, is to have Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping as coaches to build to a PPV match in December," wrote Meltzer. "The winner would likely be in line for the first middleweight title match of 2012."

Neither UFC nor Spike can publicly announce this due to Sonnen not being licensed in Nevada. ... The decision, rumoured for weeks, is controversial and will likely be heavily criticized if it does happen.

Sonnen made his issues with Bisping clear by sending a letter to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva that stated he wished to "mince Michael Spitsbing through the fence like a boiled potato."

That arose from the former title contender's apparent displeasure at the Brit for spitting on the corner team of Jorge Rivera following his technical knockout victory at UFC 127.

In Bisping's apology following that controversy, he claimed he was down to dance with Sonnen but wouldn't get sucked into a verbal sparring match beforehand, opting instead to save it for the cage.

But can he make it through an entire season of TUF with one of the most calculating and diabolical trash talkers in the sport in his ear?

That's must-see TV, ladies and sirs.

Of course, despite claiming he wouldn't get sucked into the Sonnen trap, Bisping saw this picture and immediately quipped, "I think Jail just saw Jake Shields in the shower and can't take how large his balls were in relation to his."